The Mercury is reporting that HCC is proposing a rise for 2018/19 of 5.99%! Don't feel they currently deliver a service fit for the amount already charged, so presume this new rate is being set at a level of 0.01% below referendum level as they are not prepared to be democratic and go for a referendum on their proposals and service delivery!

My recollection is that the extra monies giving to CCs for social care was, originally and at their behest, not ring-fenced and many spent it on other budget items. Since the system changed and introduced a set charge for social care CCs now see this as a univ style system to go for the maximum each year rather than have open debate or risk a challenge from the electorate. Am fully aware of the background to funding and long argued against the other party and increases in CC but now we are returning to the position of yearly increases at even higher rates. Don't forget this is also a conservative CC which promises (LTP4) a by-pass which seems to be more important to them that social care. Take your choice but for me social care comes first.